Rashan Gary’s name still pops up in “bust” conversations from time to time, and for many fans, it doesn’t make much sense anymore. The label mainly stems from old expectations and early-career frustration, rather than what Gary is doing right now on the field.
Picked twelfth in 2019, Gary arrived with sky-high hopes. Right away, when the stats didn’t match that pick, criticism arose. Hurt by injuries, mixed into the rotation piece by piece, progress felt delayed. Still, off-court work continued to deepen each season.
By 2025, that story won't hold up. What stands out now is how Gary’s game has sharpened, as evidenced by match after match where he moves with purpose. Words on a screen never weighed as much as what he shows when the whistle blows.
Rashan Gary’s Play Is Quietly Shutting Down the “Bust” Narrative
Sep 24, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary (52) celebrates after sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Gary’s impact was on full display in prime time against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Facing Aaron Rodgers on the road, he recorded two sacks, accounting for two of the Packers’ three total sacks in a 35–25 win. Both sacks killed drives, and both came with a bit of extra energy afterward.
His celebrations caught attention almost instantly. First came Rodgers’ old title-belt celebration, followed later by the viral “6-7” gesture that has been trending online this year. The internet noticed. So did NBC’s broadcast crew. Even the NFL acknowledged it on social media.
Beyond the celebrations, the numbers tell the real story. Through seven games in 2025, Gary has 7 1⁄2 sacks, already matching his total from last season and sitting just two sacks shy of his career high from 2021. He’s also posted 24 total tackles, one forced fumble, and 4½ tackles for loss. Those are not empty stats. They reflect consistent pressure and real disruption.
Even in games where the defense hasn’t closed strong, Gary’s presence still shows up. Week 16 versus the Bears saw Green Bay create 22 pressures overall. Eight of those came from Gary and Van Ness working separately. Though no sacks were recorded, plays by Gary disrupted timing. Throwing under duress led to errors by Chicago’s offense.
This is where the “bust” talk loses steam. Gary isn’t a player living off flashes or hype. He’s a steady pass rusher who draws attention, collapses pockets, and changes game flow. His growth since returning from a torn ACL has only reinforced that point.
Labels from years ago don’t line up with what’s happening now. Rashan Gary isn’t fighting to justify his draft position anymore. He’s simply playing like one of the Packers’ most essential defenders, week after week.
Signature Section
Rashan Gary is a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and a former first-round draft pick. Known for his strength, explosiveness, and relentless motor, Gary has developed into a key piece of Green Bay’s defense. As the 2025 season progresses, his performances are reshaping how fans and analysts perceive his career trajectory.
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